MTV VMAs 2016: Controversial Beyoncé song 'Formation' wins Video of the Year

The singer released the politically-charged video - taken from album Lemonade - in February

(AFP/Getty Images)

Beyoncé emerged victorious at this year's VMA awards after being handed the coveted award for MTV's Video of the Year.

The singer's politically-charged music video for track "Formation" took away the prize in a ceremony which saw her perform a grandstanding performance of 16 minutes.

Upon accepting the award, Beyoncé said in reference to the video's shoot: “I dedicate this award to the people of New Orleans. God bless you guys."

Her competition in the category included "Hotline Bling" by Drake - one of the years biggest songs - and Kanye West's "Famous" which caused controversy all of its own through the depiction of a naked woman whom resembled Taylor Swift.

Earlier on in the ceremony, Beyoncé took to the stage for a full 16 minutes to perform tracks from surprise album Lemonade, including "Pray You Catch Me" and "Hold Up."

The video for "Formation" received a severe backlash upon its release back in February after many claimed it was a veiled attack on law enforcement.

Rapper Kanye West - who famously interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech when the singer accepted the Video fo the year award in 2013 - was given free reign by MTV to do whatever he wanted at the ceremony; he chose the moment to release a new video for Life of Pablo album track "Fade."